China’s industrial production grew 4.1% year-over-year in April, according to data released May 18. The figure missed analyst expectations of 5.9%. Growth slowed significantly from the 5.7% rate recorded in March. Weak domestic demand and persistent property sector issues drove the deceleration.
Fixed-asset investment for the first four months of 2026 contracted 1.6% year-over-year. This result reversed the 1.7% growth seen in the prior period. The contraction also missed economist forecasts of a 1.6% increase.
The weak economic data dampened global investor sentiment. International stock markets fell as concerns grew regarding the durability of the global economic recovery.